What Are the Best RTA Cabinets? A Quick Guide

We're here to answer all your questions about ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets and why they are an affordable, high-quality choice for your next remodel.

What are RTA Cabinets?

RTA cabinets are “ready to assemble.” They are flat packed by components, arriving at your door with all the necessary parts and hardware you’ll need to put them together yourself. 

Additional tools and a wood glue of your choice may be needed, depending on the cabinet supplier. The flat pack shipping method and DIY assembly make RTA cabinets more affordable than custom cabinetry. Our RTA cabinets are wood, not particleboard, and are simple to assemble and install.

RTA Cabinets vs Pre-Assembled Cabinets

The biggest difference between pre-assembled and ready to assemble cabinets is exactly what the name says: their level of assembly at delivery. But beyond that, three main factors homeowners should consider when doing a side-by-side comparison of RTA cabinets and pre-assembled (or, just “assembled”) cabinets are cost, quality, and convenience. 

Pros of Ready to Assemble Cabinets

• Budget-Friendly: Ideal for cost-conscious projects without sacrificing style or functionality.
• Lower Shipping Costs: Flat-pack design means more compact, efficient, and affordable shipping.
• DIY Flexibility: Great for handy homeowners who enjoy assembling furniture or want to customize their cabinets.
• Quick Shipping Turnaround: Many RTA cabinets are in stock and ship quickly so you can get started faster.

Pros of Pre-Assembled Cabinets

• Quick Installation: Ready to install when the cabinets arrive — perfect for fast-moving renovation schedules.
• Factory-Quality Craftsmanship: Professionally assembled for consistent fit, finish, and long-term durability.
• Reliable Alignment and Function: Hinges, drawers, and doors are expertly positioned for smooth, accurate function.
• Ideal for Pros and Large Projects: Great choice for contractors or large-scale remodels that need efficiency and speed.

We sell assembled cabinets, and we highly recommend them for quality and convenience, especially if you have no desire to put them together yourself! 

But, considering how easy our RTA cabinets are to assemble at home, we think they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to remodel your home. At the end of the day, the type of cabinet you choose comes down to your budget, timeline, and personal preferences.

What Are the Best RTA Cabinets?

At Custom Service Hardware, we carry only the best brands in RTA cabinets. We partner with reputable cabinet manufacturers that use high-quality materials and hold a high standard of quality control. 

You’ll also find that many of the cabinets we sell have solid wood veneers and face frames. Other distinguishing details include soft-close and full-extension drawers, concealed hinges, and California Air Resources Board Certification for low emissions.

GHI Custom Cabinetry

GHI Cabinets manufactures high-quality, all wood RTA cabinets in classic styles that will complement any home. Since 2001, they’ve become one of the largest importers of kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities in the US. We carry their cabinets because of their attention to detail and budget-conscious options that don’t compromise on quality.

JSI Cabinetry

JSI Cabinetry offers attractive finishes and both classic and trending styles, all with top-tier materials and manufacturing. Their wide range of colors and styles allows you to create your dream kitchen or bathroom at a price you can afford — not to mention their industry-leading turnaround time on shipping.

Sunnywood

Sunnywood Cabinets specializes in stylish cabinets that bring beauty and practicality to your home. They focus on classic designs and colors, like traditional and shaker style cabinets with hand-detailed finishes. We love their cabinets for their ability to bring a sense of timelessness to any kitchen remodeling project. 

Where to Buy the Best RTA Cabinets

Buy your RTA cabinets right here, from Custom Service Hardware. We have a huge selection of top quality RTA cabinets, separated into categories for easy browsing. 

The filter section shows everything from shaker cabinets to stained wood styles, modern European cabinets, states cabinets ship from to help you save on shipping, and more. Once you’ve picked your style, buying your RTA cabinets is easy: Just click on the kind of cabinet you want, how many, and add them to your cart. Check out, and you’re good to go!

Can I Customize RTA Cabinets?

You can customize your RTA cabinets with accessories like panels, moldings, pull-out trays and shelves, filler strips, glass doors, and storage racks. When customization is offered, available options will be shown within the cabinet line.

You can also shop in our bathroom or kitchen accessories to find ways to customize your cabinets for your needs.

How Much Do RTA Cabinets Cost?

RTA cabinets vary in price depending on the size, materials, and any add-ons, like pull-out shelves. For example, a single base cabinet from one manufacturer can run somewhere around $130 for a small cabinet, but more than $600 if you want a larger one with soft-close drawers and a pull-out for waste bins. 

You can browse our website for the most current pricing for each line we carry. Click on the drop-down boxes on each product page to see exactly what each cabinet costs. For example, if you want white cabinets, find the ones you like, click open the product page, and you’ll see the drop down box with all the options and prices. 

For ballpark numbers you can select the number of cabinets needed, and add them to your cart. This will give you an estimated price before shipping costs. 

If you want to talk with someone about your specific dimensions, give us a call at (800) 882-0009 or contact us through the website.

How to Assemble RTA Cabinets

Your RTA cabinets from Custom Service Hardware will come together with cam locks, screws, or a combination of both, depending on the supplier. We list how each cabinet series fastens on the product page, so you know right away if the ones you want come with cam locks or are sliding dovetail assembly. 

Either way, the process of putting your cabinets together is fairly straightforward, and instructions come with your delivery. In short, you’ll assemble the drawer boxes and cabinet boxes, then attach drawer slides, doors, shelves, and then insert the drawers. We give you brief, easy-to-follow tutorial videos, too.

What Tools Do I Need To Assemble RTA Cabinets?

For sliding dovetail assembly cabinets you will need a brad nailer, screw gun, wood glue, rubber mallet, and safety glasses. Find out more here on how to assemble RTA cabinets from us. For cam lock assembly, a screwdriver secures your cam locks, if your cabinets assemble with these fasteners. Wood glue adheres your dovetail joints together, should your cabinets assemble in that manner. Some of our cabinet series use cam locks and dovetail joints.

How Long Does It Take To Assemble RTA Cabinets?

It shouldn’t take long to assemble your RTA cabinets, even if this is your first time. If you’re an expert at assembling furniture at home, it will take an average of 7-15 minutes to put a cabinet together, depending on how complex it is (pantries and oven cabinets often take longer). If you’re brand new to DIY assembly, you can spend 30 minutes to an hour on your first cabinet, but you’ll get faster once you understand the process. These are, of course, ballpark estimates just to give you a general idea of how long (or not long) you’ll spend putting your new cabinets together.

How to Install RTA Cabinets?

RTA cabinets are designed so you can install them yourself, but we always recommend consulting a professional or hiring a professional to mount your cabinets if you aren’t entirely confident. Here are very general guidelines for installing your RTA cabinets.

Base Cabinets:

• Measure the base cabinets and use a pencil and level to mark a line from the highest point of the floor up to the desired cabinet height.
• Use the stud finder to locate the studs and mark them accordingly.
• Fit your cabinet into place and check to make sure it is level.
• If so, predrill the top framing piece into the wall studs and secure with screws.

Wall Cabinets:

• Measure the space from the floor up to the bottom of wall cabinets, taking into consideration the base cabinets, countertops, and more (if they aren’t already installed).
• Using a level and a pencil, mark a line on the wall where your cabinets will end. Typical wall cabinet height from top of countertop to underside of wall cabinet is 18 inches of space. This allows optimal countertop work space and tile backsplash applications.
• Use a stud finder and mark them so you know where to drill.
• Most people secure a ledger board to the wall for support and screw it into the marked studs to support the cabinet’s weight temporarily.
• Install the cabinets on the ledger board and secure them into the wall at the studs.

If you have any more questions about RTA cabinets or how to choose the right ones for your kitchen remodel, we’re here to help! Just give us a call at (800) 882-0009 or contact us through the website.